Sultan bin Ahmed inaugurates “Guardians of the Nation” exhibition

Upon arrival, His Highness took commemorative photos with participating entities. The event featured an aerial performance by the UAE aerobatic team “Al Fursan,” who created a stunning display by drawing the UAE flag in the sky, earning great applause from attendees. His Highness also signed the exhibition’s commemorative board, writing: “We have always been and will remain proud of the UAE.” 

The exhibition, organised by the University of Sharjah in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, Sharjah Police, Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Emirates Fine Arts Society, and several museums and art centres, reflects the university’s support for cultural and artistic initiatives that promote national values and reinforce art as a medium of expressing loyalty, belonging, and pride in the UAE. 

His Highness toured the exhibition halls, viewing paintings and sculptures by Emirati and resident artists that highlight pride in the nation’s protectors and their sacrifices. He also visited participating entities’ pavilions, exploring their contributions that showcase innovation, competence, and patriotism.

The opening included a ceremony honouring participating and supporting entities, beginning with the national anthem and a short film portraying the role and readiness of the nation’s defenders. Professor Dr Issam Al-Din Ibrahim Ajami, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, expressed gratitude to His Highness for supporting national initiatives and noted that the exhibition represents the university’s loyalty to the UAE Armed Forces and coincides with the Golden Jubilee of their unification.

Dr Ajami noted that the “Guardians of the Nation” exhibition is not an art exhibition in the traditional sense, but rather a message from the heart of an academic institution to all those honoured to defend this good land. Within its expressive space, the artist’s brush, the sculptor’s craft, and the memory of history come together in a single scene, embodying deep belonging and sincere loyalty to the country.

Dr Ajami announced an initiative by His Highness to allocate ten scholarships for UAE Armed Forces personnel, emphasising the importance of education as a natural extension of national service. He also expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Highness for this national initiative supporting education.

Ajami concluded his speech by extending his thanks and appreciation to the participants and supporters of the exhibition, stating: “Art, in its highest form, remains a living document that records the spirit of nations and immortalises the sacrifices of their sons. This exhibition is nothing but an artistic testament to a nation’s loyalty to its protectors, and a unified message: that the country endures because there are men who protect and defend it.”

Major General Staff Saeed Ali Obaid Boshabs Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for Resources and Support Services at the Ministry of Defence, also delivered a speech in which he expressed his gratitude and appreciation to His Highness the President of the University of Sharjah for his support and patronage of the national artistic “Guardians of the Nation” exhibition, and to the University of Sharjah for organising this purposeful initiative, which coincides with the anniversary of the unification of the Armed Forces—an occasion dear to the people of the UAE that embodies the highest meanings of unity, loyalty, and devotion to the UAE.

The Assistant Undersecretary for Resources and Support Services at the Ministry of Defence addressed, in his speech, the insightful vision of the founding leaders and their commitment to building the nation and the armed forces through supporting, motivating, and investing in human capabilities, emphasising that a person capable of discovering and acquiring knowledge is the fundamental pillar and the true driver of excellence.

Major General Staff Saeed Ali Obaid Boshabs Al Ali concluded his speech by highlighting the importance of the exhibition in shedding light on the nation’s protectors, representing loyal men and women who joined the armed forces and devoted themselves to serving the country, becoming its protective shield and embodying the highest meanings of belonging, so that the UAE remains safe and secure, and its flag continues to fly high with pride and honour.

The “Guardians of the Nation” exhibition featured a distinguished collection of artworks reflecting the creative visions of a select group of Emirati and resident artists, who expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the nation’s protectors through diverse artistic styles, including realism and abstraction, as well as sculptures and miniature models depicting the bravery of the UAE Armed Forces and their heroic role, particularly in past events.

The exhibition saw the participation of 35 visual artists presenting around 40 artworks, including a notable piece by Sheikh Ali Abdullah Al Mualla titled “UAE Sofa,” which symbolises the nation’s resilience and unity through a sofa designed in the shape of the map of the United Arab Emirates using Ghaf wood, representing authenticity and steadfastness.

The exhibition also included various artworks portraying scenes from the daily professional life of UAE Armed Forces personnel, alongside works highlighting historical leadership figures that reflect a spirit of pride and national belonging.

Several government entities and institutions participated in the exhibition, including the Ministry of Defence, Sharjah Police, and Sharjah Civil Defence. Dubai Culture and Arts Authority also took part, showcasing various collections of artefacts and tools that document aspects of the nation’s memory and its honourable moments in history.

The 1185 Museum, owned by His Excellency Dr Obaid Al Ketbi, also participated by displaying exhibits that highlight the history of the UAE Armed Forces as an integral part of the nation’s journey. Additionally, the “Testimonies of Love for Zayed” Museum, by researcher Abdullah Al Mar Al Kaabi, presented a collection of rare artefacts and publications documenting key milestones in the nation’s memory and highlighting the legacy of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi honoured the participating and supporting entities.

The opening was attended, alongside His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, by Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police; Major General Staff Saeed Ali Obaid Boshabs Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for Resources and Support Services at the Ministry of Defence; Brigadier Yousef bin Harmoul Al Shamsi, Director-General of Sharjah Civil Defence Authority ; Mohammed Abdullah Al Raees, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank; Professor Dr Issam Al-Din Ibrahim Ajami, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah; as well as a number of artists and participants.